Asheville hosts SoCon Basketball Tournament again for 2013

The Southern Conference (SoCon) Tournament is coming back to Asheville for 2013. The weekend of March 8-11, downtown will be filled with 50,000+ basketball fans, all enjoying Asheville's shopping, dining and drinking during the course of the tournament.

The Asheville Downtown Association will be hosting two informational sessions for downtown business owners to learn about marketing opportunities and how to show your support of the tournament.

Both sessions will cover the same information and will be held Wed. January 23 at 8:30am and Wed. January 30 at 5:30pm at the ADA office (29 Haywood Street).  Please RSVP to info@ashevilledowntown.org with which meeting you plan to attend. All businesses that attend one of the sessions will receive 2 complimentary tournament passes.

Asheville City Market kicks off this Saturday

January 12 - The Asheville City Market opens its 2013 season this Saturday at the Haywood Park Hotel, 161 S. Charlotte Street in downtown Asheville. The Winter Market offers an opportunity to buy local foods from local farmers each Saturday from January through March.

2013 kicks off with potatoes, a great storage crop. Check the Market chart to find out which other local items are in season. Winter squash, apples, leeks and greenhouse vegetables are among January's crops.

Friends of the Market are needed. Interested in volunteering your time to plan the market, plan events, provide on-site support, reach out to farmers in the region, or other needed work? Contact Mike.  Donations are Welcomed. Market start-up costs in advance of receiving any revenue will be significant.To help create this boon to Asheville's culture and vital link to Asheville's economy for our region's farmers, visit our donate page.

Asheville Rental with Mountain views

Asheville Vacation Rental with Mountain view and only 3 miles to downtown - 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps up to 8. Short range views from every window, decks and screened porch, wood-burning fireplace, flat panel TVs, WIFI. $164 - $290 night, $1388 - $1680 week.  See rental photos, details and availability

Find more Aheville North Carolina cabins and vacation rentals on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

Steep Canyon Rangers Perform at The Orange Peel

January 11, 8 PM  at the Orange Peel Social Aid and Pleasure Club The Steep Canyon Rangers make a special appearance with guest Peter Rowan. Since their 2011 performances and album with Steve Martin, The Steep Canyon Rangers have become among the most popular bluegrass musicians across the US. With smooth vocals, smart songwriting, ferocious instrumentals and jaw-dropping harmony, the Rangers are a "must see" wherever they perform.

The Orange Peel is located at 101 Biltmore Avenue in Asheville NC.

Asheville's River Arts District Second Saturday

January 12   River Arts District Second Saturday   Asheville’s River Arts District Artists open their studios for a day of family friendly fun, educational experiences, live demonstrations and to share their creations. Visit dozens of artists working in all types of media, available for viewing or purchase.

River Arts District is open year aroun - meet artists in their studios. Schedules are available online. Twice a year, every second weekend in June and November, Asheville’s River Arts District opens to the public for two days of festivities known as the STUDIO STROLL. During the Studio Stroll, artists of the River Arts District welcome you into their studios to talk with them, see their latest artwork, watch demonstrations, and experience for yourself the magic hidden inside the time-worn factories which have been reborn as a thriving art center.

This unique neighborhood along the French Broad River is home to more than 165 artists with working studios located in 18 turn-of-the-century industrial buildings. The District also offers a variety of eateries from cafes to breweries.